JUNIORS at Richmondshire Rugby Union Football club have been chosen to be the official ball team for the Rugby World Cup matches played at Elland Road.

The youngsters will be at the heart of the action by collecting, replacing and delivering balls that have been passed or kicked off the field during play during the tournament taking place from September 18 to October 31.

RRUFC juniors is one of 13 ball teams from across the country that have been awarded the honour following a selection process that involved a written submission to England Rugby based on the contribution the club has made to the local rugby community.

England Rugby 2015 managing director Steve Brown said "We're extremely pleased to announce the young players that have been selected to part of the 13 ball teams at our Rugby World Cup 2015 match venues. Each of them have demonstrated the key attributes important to the role including good coordination, the ability to work as part of a team and have shown commitment to grassroots rugby.

Steve Grainger, RFU development director, said: "The young players selected have already demonstrated outstanding commitment to their local clubs and deserve this recognition.”

The young players are a mix of boys and girls aged 15 to 16 years old and will work together in teams of ten. They will now undergo a series of training sessions in preparation for the tournament.